I have always been on the thin side - ranging from 115-125lbs. I hit remission and then a couple months later I started gaining weight. I topped the scale at 145lbs. I didn't change my diet any nor did I eat more. This weight came on rather quickly so I went in to the doctor to have my thyroid checked. The tests came back normal. So I chalked it up to being in remission and getting older. I went to my GI last Wednesday and I was at 140lbs and then I just weighed myself and I am at 137lbs. What can be causing the weight gain and the weight loss.......any ideas? Could it still be the thyroid even though the test came back normal? I'm just confused about this weight gain and loss because overall I feel good (no Uc symptoms).

Hi Sherry...you were having problems with periods weren't you and the ovarian cysts..which means hormones are being wonky...leading to some weight gain.

The fact that you're feeling great UC-wise is good and maybe things will level out well for you. The added of stress in dealing with life in general as well as the extra intestinal and skin issues can add to hormonal ups and downs. With the 6MP helping some of that, the free-flowing stress hormones and you probably feeling more normal will allow your body to get back to its own set weight.

I've been losing weight as well...I know diet change has a lot to do with it, but I'm also getting older. I don't want to get much lower, however...interesting.

Oh, I'm going to add that it's summer...most people tend to lose weight starting in the spring and put it on in the late fall/winter.

Yes, I was having issues with my periods which is why I had the ablation done (almost 2 years ago) and I think I may have another ovarian cyst but I don't think it's that large yet. Just a bit bothersome from time to time. I also am thinking that it might be hormonal because I believe that I am peri-menapausal. So you might be right on that.

Lose weight in the summer huh? Almost 10lbs in 2 weeks??? LOL I gained most my weight in the spring and I am just now losing it. Hmmm maybe I can market the "Summer diet"? ;) Think I can make some money off that?

I think it would be more hormonal and your age. If you're perimenopausal, possibly another reason.

Are you eating enough calories during the day? Good cals first, remember...lol...

One's set weight while young is different than when "older"......remember muscle weighs more, and we tend to lose it as we age (so lifing weights can help with that).

I must also add that the stressful issues that have plagued you aren't as much this year as last...and if the weight gain is during the spring, it came off in the summer, again, when we tend to lose it because activity/daylight hours/heat tend to aid in weight loss.

Now, there are always variables that are subjective. But in general, it could be that your body is in a more level state. Which is a good thing.

I've lost 20 lbs in 2 years. I coveted the gain because it was new to me, but now that I'm 55...the body change is that I don't like the middle mini muffin tops, so I'll have to work on it. Can't do too much cardio, however, because I don't want to lose the weight...sigh. I need a cookie!! LOL!!!

Hey Red, I think age has alot to do with it, as we age our metabolism naturally slows down but with having health issues in general I think in your case that not only age but those things are factoring in as well, especially the yo-yo weight thing...have you talked to your doc abuot this?

:)My bum is broken....there's a big crack down the middle of it! LOL :)

Ugh, I'm also distressed about weight gain. I haven't been eating more or more bad stuff than anyone else, but it's really been creeping up over the past year, and not just from courses of prednisone. My waistline is thickening, even though I exercise a lot. It has to be this perimenopausal stuff, it sucks.49 year old female attorney, diagnosed UC/pancolitis 1985, no surgery but much suffering. Asacol maintenance for 20+ years; used prednisone & Rowasa for flares. Probiotics (Ultimate Flora, 50 billion), salmon oil (omega-3) when I can remember.

While in remission, from Nov 1st to May 23rd, my weight had gone up to 140 lbs, but I felt great! I am 5ft 3 1/2 and shrinking (I say this because I have osteoporosis). My GI doctor never has an issue when I gain weight because he KNOWS as soon as a flare hits...boom, weight plummets. Well, my flare started May 23rd and I am now down to 120 lbs. I am eating but my husband said..."yeah, but WHAT are you eating?" Fish, yogurt, rice cereal with silk, vegetables. No fatty, spicy or fried foods, no red meat. So, even though I eat till I am full, I am full of GOOD stuff!!! Think even after this flare, which seems to be slowly but surely subsiding, I will stick to this diet!62 yr old granny. South Jersey

Diagnosed with ulcerative proctitis in 1998 in hospital

Hospitalized (2nd time) in May 2008

Meds as of June 09: Colazal (6 per day), 6MP (50 mgm), Probiotic (upped to 3 per day), Fish oil capsule, calcium, multivitamin, Cort enema nightly, Canasa in morning. Also taking Benicar and Toprol to control high blood pressure. Getting old is a b****.

I never lose weight with a flare. Probably because I eat so many bananas, and potato chips (my comfort food), and avoid salad dishes completely. Also, that darn prednisone makes me so hungry.49 year old female attorney, diagnosed UC/pancolitis 1985, no surgery but much suffering. Asacol maintenance for 20+ years; used prednisone & Rowasa for flares. Probiotics (Ultimate Flora, 50 billion), salmon oil (omega-3) when I can remember.

The first symtpoms I had for perimenopause was unexplained weight gain. My thyroid was also low. I went on synthroid but still gained weight over the years going through menopause. It is nearly impossible to loose it too. I was always thin before this too. When my colitis flared up last winter, I could barely eat anything for 8 weeks and all I lost was 3 pounds and that didn't stay off long. lol...diagnosed 1/09 with "diverticular colitis" ?? location, sigmoid colon

Pb, no I haven't mentioned the yo-yo weight thing to my doc yet. Just when I started to gain it rapidly. Personally I feel good although a bit tired all the time and I figure when it comes time to see the doc then I will ask her then.